For a little variety, perhaps, at this dull time, gentlemen
are re- viving in divers parts some dispute about ecclesiastical forms, and drawing attention and interest to the spread of Tractarian doctrines. While the most alarming reports circulate in Oxford, that Heaven knows who is " going over" to Rome in no time, observances ac- counted by plain Englishmen to savour of Rornanism are de- nounced in Berkshire, Hertfordshire, and Cornwall ; and what is more, they are upheld by the Bishops of OXFORD, LONDON, and EXETER. The greatest " agitation " is felt in the aggrieved parishes, and Mr. JOHN WALTER is excited. To add to the embarrassment, Mr. WALTER has asked a learned doctor of the Civil Law Courts if some of the contemned observances are not illegal ; and Dr. ADDAMS cannot say that they are. Nay, Dr. PHILLPOTTS ventures to assert, that not only may a clergyman wear a surplice while he preaches, but that if he do not wear it, he should wear "the albe and vestment, or the cope." Those who very hotly blame attention to such vanities seem to forget, that to be so moved by their presence is as vain and frivolous as any desire for them. The man who cannot be assured of the right road to sal- vation unless a gown make up the complement of his orthodoxy, is not a jot more extravagant than the man who is horrified at seeing a gown where no gown should be. To regard linen as the efficient auxiliary or antagonist of divinity, is equally idle : the manufactured flax is equally master of both souls.
